RELIGIONS PEACE Or A reconciliation, between princes & Peoples, & Nations (by Leonard Busher: of the County of Gloucester, of the town of Wotton, and a Cittieen, of the famous and most honourable City London, and of the second right worshipful Company)  
Supplicated (unto the high and mighty King of great Britain etc: And to the Princely and right Honourable Parliament) with all loyalty, humility and careful Fidelity.  Esay. 60. 1. 3. 10. 12. 16. 
ARise, O Zion, be bright for thy light is come, and the glory of the Lord is risen upon thee, and the Gentiles shall walk in thy light, and Kings at the brightness of thy rising up.  
And the sons of strangers shall build up thy walls, and their Kings shall minister unto thee: For in my wrath I smought thee, but in my mercy I had compassion on thee▪ Therefore thy gates shall be open continually; neither day nor night shall they be shut, that men may bring unto thee, the riches of the Gentiles, and that their Kings may be brought unto thee.  
For the Nation and that kingdom that will not serve thee, shall perish: and those nations shall utterly be destroyed.  
The sons also of them that afflicted thee, shall come and bow unto thee: and all they that despised thee, shall fall down at the soles of thy feet: and they shall call thee, the City of the Lord, Zion of the holy one of Israel.  
Thou shalt also suck the milk of the Gentiles, and shalt suck the breasts of kings and thou shalt know that I the Lord am thy Saviour, and thy redeemer, the mighty one of jaacob.  Proverbs 20. 28. Mercy and truth preserve the King, for his throne shall be established with mercy. Eccle. 10. 22. The fear of the Lord causeth that the Kingdom faileth not, but the Kingdom is lost by cruelty and pride. 
Printed in Amsterdam: 1614   

To the high & mighty King james, by the grace of God, King of great brittayne, France & Yrland: And to the princely & right Honourable Parliament, Leonard Busher wisheth, the wisdom of Solomon, the Zeal of josias, & the mercy of Christ: 
1. Cor. 5. 5.  with the salvation of your Spirits in the day of the Lord jesus.  
FOr as much, as your Majesty and Parliament, do stand for the maintenance of the Religion wherein you are borne, and for the same, do most zealously persequte, with fire and sword: I have thought it good, and also my duty (most Royal sovereign) to inform your Majesty and Parliament thereof. In all humility therefore, I give you to understand, that no Prince or People, can possible attain that one true Religion of the Gospel, which is acceptable to God by jesus Christ, merely by birth 
a joh. 3. 3  for Christ saith Except a man be borne again, he cannot see the Kingdom of God. Also the Apo: james saith. 
b jam. 1. 1●  Of his own will he begat us by the word of truth. And the Apo: Peter saith. 
c 1. Petr. 1. 3. 23.  Being borne a new, not of mortal seed, but of immortal, by the word of God, who liveth & endureth for ever. 
Matth. 28.  Therefore Christ commanded this word to be preached to all nations, that thereby they may attain the new birth. 
Marc. 16.  By which your Majesty and Parliament may perceive, that the one true Religion of the Gospel, is not attained by natural birth: for the all Princes and peoples, in all nations, should have that one true Religion of the Gospel, the which you see and grant, they all have not, yet many of them also will defend their Religion (wherein they are borne) by fire and sword, as if it were their natural and earthly inheritances: or had with fire and sword been gotten, and therefore will with fire and sword maintain and defend it: But your Majesty and Parliament, may please to understand, that the Scriptures do teach, 
2. Cor. 10. 4.  that the one true religion is gotten by a new birth, then by the word and spirit of God, and therewith also, it is only maintained and defended. 
Ephe. 6. 17  For the word of God is lively, & mighty in operation, & sharper than any two edged sword, 
Heb. 4. 12.  & entereth through, even unto the dividing asunder of the soul & the spirit, & of the joints & of the marrow, & is a discerner of the thoughts, & the intents of the heart. Seeing then the one true Religion of the Gospel, is thus gotten: and thus defended and maintained, namely, by the word preached only, let it please your Majesty and Parliament, to be entreated, to revoke and repeal, those Antychristian, Romish and cruel laws, that force all in our land, both Prince and people, to receive that Religion, wherein the King or Queen were borne, or that which is established by the law of man: 
Mat. 28. 19  and in steed thereof, enact and publish, that Apostolic. Christian, 
Mar. 16. 16.  Gentle & merciful law of Christ, viz: Go teach all nations, preach the Gospel to every creature, 
Act. 8. 12.  that is, Christ will have his ministers to preach and teach the people of all nations, 
luc. 24. 4. 7.  the things that concern the Kingdom of God, 
act. 8. 12. 37. & 2. 4.  & the name of jesus Mesiah, repentance & remision of sins, & to baptize in his name, such as do believe. And for as much also that the false and Antychristian religion did come by the spirit of error & doctrine of Devils, 
〈…〉  and not by fire and sword: 
Rev. 16. 14  therefore by the spirit of Christ, and doctrine of the word of God, must it be driven out of the hearts and consciences, both of Prince and People, and not by fire and sword, as the false Bishops and ministers have and do still persuade. Therefore may it please your Majesty and Parliament, to understand that (by fire and sword) to constrain Princes and peoples, 
Marc. 9 38 39  to receive that one true Religion of the Gospel, is wholly against the mind and merciful Law of Christ, dangerous both to king and State, a means to decrease the Kingdom of Christ: and a means to increase the Kingdom of antichrist, as these reasons following do manifest: The which I humbly beseech your Majesty and Parliament, carefully to consider, and that according to the word of god, which shall judge every man according to his deeds: 
Mat. 16. 27  and persecution, is a work well pleasing to all false Prophets, 
Rev. 16. 14  and Bishops, but it is contrary to the mind of Christ, 
Luce 9 55. 56.  who came not to judge & destroy men's lives, but to save them: And though some men and women believe not at the first hour, 
joh. 12. 47.  yet may they at the 
a Matt. 20. 6. 7.  eleventh hour if they be not persequted to death before: And no King nor Bishops can, or is able to command faith, 
e Eph. 2. 8.  That is the gift of God, who worketh in us both the will & the deed of his own good pleasure, set him not a day therefore, in which, if his creature hear not and believe not, 
1. tim. 1. 13  you will imprison and burn him: Paul was a blasphemer, 
Act. 26. 〈◊〉.  and also a persequter/ and could not be converted by the Apostles and ministers of Christ, yet at last was received to mercy, and converted extraordinarily by Christ himself, 
jam. 5. 11.  who is very pitiful & merciful, & would have no man to perish, 
2. Pet. 3. 9  but would that all men come to repentance, but not by persecution, 
2. cor. 5. 19  but by the word of reconciliation which he hath committed to his ministers. And as kings and Bishops, cannot command the wind, so they cannot command faith, 
john. 3.  & as the wind bloweth where it listeth, so is every man that is borne of the spirit. You may forcemen to Church against their consciences, but they will believe as they did afore, when they come there, for God giveth a blessing only to his own ordinance, 
1. Sam. 15. 15. 24.  and abhorreth antichrists: And kings are to think that they are men, as well as Kings and that Christ hath ordained the same means of faith for Kings which he hath for subjects, 
Act. 9 15.  and that subjects are Christ's freemen, 
1 tim. 2. 1. 2  as well as King's subjects, 
1. Cor. 7. 22. 23.  & Kings that believe are Christ's Servants, even as subjects are Kings servants, and both are bought with a price, therefore both ought not to be the servants of men, in matter of faith & religion: but Kings shall give a greater account at the day of judgement, than their subjects: And to judge men now for religion, is to judge afore the time, and also to sit in the judgement seat of Christ, 
Rom. 2. 16  to whom only it belongeth, yet not before the day appointed, 
Act. 10. 42  how much less to Kings and Bishops. I read that Constantyne the Emperor (called the great) wrought to the Bishop of Rome, that he would not force and constrain any man to the faith, but only admonish and commit the judgement to God. 
joh. 18. 36  Christ's Kingdom is not of this world therefore may it not be purchased, nor defended with the weapons of this world, 
Ephe. 6. 1● 17.  but by his word and spirit: no other weapons hath he given to his Church which is his spiritual kingdom. Therefore Christ saith: He that will not hear the church, 
Mat. 18. 17  let him be to thee as a heathen & a publican: he saith not burr: ban: hang: or inpriso: him, that is Antichrists ordinance. And though a man be an heretic, 
Tyt. 3. 10  yet ought he not to be burr: but to be rejected, after once or twice admonition, that is cast out of the Church: but as in the chur: of Rome people of all sorts are by persecution forced thereinto by the Bishops and ministers thereof: so it is in the Church of England also, which showeth that the Bs: and min: of Rome and Eng: are of one spirit, in gathering peopel to their faith and church, which is the spirit of Satan, who knoweth well that his kingdom (the false Church) would greatly decay, if persecution were laid down: seeing himself cannot stand before the word and spirit of God, much less his Bs: and mi: therefore he will have them, for a name and show, to use the word of God, but indeed, if the false interpretation and alleging of the scriptures will not help, than (saith he constrain them by fire and sword: or else (if people have liberty of conscience) they will try the spirits, which of them is of god, as the Apostle joh: teacheth: and then saith he: 
1. john 4. 1  the Prince as well as people will try all things, & keep that which is good, and will also prove themselves (as the Apostle Paul teacheth) whether they are in the Apostoliq faith or not: 
2. cor. 13.  And as the Church of Rome provoketh the Magestrats to peesequte to death, such as are excommunicated out of her, so doth the Church of England provoke the Magistrates to persequte to death such as she excomunicate: And as the Bs. and min: of Ro: will persuade the prince and people, to hear and read none but themselves, so do the Bs: and min: of Eng: also: But the Bs: and min: of the Apostoliq Church do persuade all men, to prove & try the Spirits whether they are of God, which they cannot do, except they hear and read other men's doctrines, as well as the Bs: and their min: neither can they if they would, so long as the Bishops have power from the King and state to silence and imprison etc: all preachers, and to burn all books, which teach not their doctines. Your Majesty and Parliament shall understand that all those that confess freely without compulsion, that jesus is the Messiah the Lord, 
1. john. 5. & 1. Io. 4.  and that he came in Flesh, are to be esteemed the Children of God and true Christians, seeing such are borne of God, and no man can say that. jesus is the Lord, 
1 co. 12. ●  but by the holy Ghost, therefore not to be persequted.  
And as Abel killed not Cain, but was killed himself, and as Isaac and jacob did not persequte Ishmael and Esau, but was persequted of Ishmael and Esau (who and Cain were figures of all persequters) so the believing do not persequte the unbelieving, 
Gala. 4. 29  nor the true chur: the false, but the believing and true chur: are (as they have been) most often persequted themselves, of whom Abel, Isaac and jacob were figures, whose children are all believers and free men: 
Galat. 5.  that stand fast in the liberty, wherewith Christ hath made them free, and will not be tangled with the yoke of bondage, no not with cir-cumcision, much less with the discipline and doctrijne of the Church of Rome, whose Bs: are able ministers of the fire and sword, both to Prince and people, as many Histories do lamentably witness, to their utter infamy and overthrow. Also, if the beleving should persequte the unbeleving to death who should remain alive? then none but the beleeveing should live in the world, and the unbeleeveing should die in their unbeleeif, and so perish for ever: the Lord will not that the beleeveing should live, to the destruction of the unbeleeveing, but unto their conversion, edification and salvation: And by persequting of Prince and people to death, because they will not hear and believe, is no gaining of souls unto God, but unto the devil: And whereas ignorant and wicked Bs. may think to wijn souls by kill Prince and people for religion, they are deceived greatly, for thereby, they lose many souls, viz: their own and the unbelieving, their own they lose, 
●e. 18. 20  because they wilfully break the Lord's Commandment, that saith: Thou shalt not kill, meaneing such as are corporal malefactors: and the others which die in their unbeleeif, they confess themselves are eternaly lost, except they (as some of their minist:) hold a redemption after this life. And the Bs. should know that error and heresy cannot be killed by the fire and sword, but by the word and spirit of God/ that is the only weapons of Christ's Bs. and Ministers, and such only Christ's Ministers do use, whose lives and conversations are so harmless, holy and gentle, that thereby/ and by their deaths and sufferings, they win many souls unto god: whereby, they are known fro all false Bs. and ministers, who like wolves and bears (not like sheep and lambs) make pray, and devour both Prince and People, that are not of their kind, if they be able to Master them.  
Besides, may it please your Majesty and Parlia: to understand, that the beleeveing man that hath an dnbeleeveing wife, and the beleeveing woman that hath an unbeleeveing husband, 
Co. 7. 16  cannot live together as the scripture teachet, for the salvation of the unbeleeveing, if they be persequted to death: Indeed some thereby are forced to confess with the mouth, that which they believe not in heart, and so are made true dissemblers in steed of true Christians, whereby many men and women are deceived with dissembling husbands and wives, as well as the King and State are deceived with dissembling servants and subjects: but the word of God (if permission of conscience might be granted) would procure upright, puer, and unfeigned husbands and wives, servants and subjects, so that thereby neither Prince nor people should be deceived, for all good shepherds will divide and separate, and not force, slay, and persequte, for if men and women be found heretics, they shallbe separated from the Church: but if they be unbelievers, they shall not be joined unto it, until they be converted by the word of God, much less forced: Which conversion for aught we know, may be at their death, if not afore, seeing the Lord caleth some at the elevent hour, 
●att. 20. 6.  so well as at the first, and not at the King and Bs. pleasures. Kings and Magistrates are to rule temporal affairs, by the swords of their temporal Kingdoms. And Bs: and Ministers are to rule spiritual affairs by the word and spirit of God, the sword of Christ's spiritual Kingdom, and not to intermeddle one with another's authority, office, and function: And it is a great shame for the Bs. and Ministers not to be able to rule in their Church, without the assistance of the King and Magistrate, yea it is a great sign they are none of Christ's Bishops and ministers of they were, they would not be afraid nor ashamed of their faith nor yet would they persuade Princes and people to persequte and force one another to believe them, but would use only the assistance of God's word and spirit, and therewith suffer their faith and doctrine, to be examined, proved, and disputed, both by word and writing.  
And he is a true Bishop who is unreprovable, 
Tyt. 1. 7. 9 11.  and that is able to stop the mouths of his adversaries, by God's word and Spirit only, and whose faith and discipline agreeth with the Prophets, Christ and his Apostles, and maketh no contraciction, but all those Bishops that force Princes and peoples to receive their faith and discipline by persecution, do (with judas) go against Christ in his members, with swords, slaves and halberoes, who seeing God's word will not help them, betake themselves with all haste and hazard, unto the authority of the King and Magistrate.  
I read that a Bishop of Rome would have constrained a Turkish Emperor to the Christian faith, unto whom the Emperor answered: I believe that Christ was an excellent Prophet, but he did never (so far as I understand) command that men should with the power of weapons be constrained to believe his law: & verily I also, do force no man to believe Mahomet's Law. Also I read that jews, Christians and Turks are tolerated in Constantinople, and yet are peaceable, though so contrary the one to the other. If this be so how much more ought Christians, not to force one another to religion: and how much more ought Christians to tolerate Christians, when as the Turks do tolerate them shall we be less merciful than the Turks? or shall we learn the Turks to persequte Christians? It is not only unmerciful but unnatural and abominable, yea monstrous for one Christian to vex and destroy another for difference and questions of Religion, and though tars have overgrown the wheat, 
Mat. 13. 29 30. 38.  yet Christ will have them let alone till harvest, lest while you go about to pluck up the tars, you pluck up also the wheat with them, as your predecessors have done, who thought they had gathered up the tars and burned them, but you see now that they have burned the wet in steed of tars. Wherefore in all humility and Christian modesty I do affirm, that through the unlawful weedhooke of persecution (which your predecessors have used, and by your majesty and Parliament is still continued) there is such a quantity of wheat plucked up, and such a multitude of tars lest behind, that the wheat which remain, cannot yet appear, in any right vissible congregation.  
And now beloved sovereign and Parliament, 
Act. 3. 17.  I know that through ignorance you do persequte, as did also your predecessor●s, Amend your lives therefore, and turn, that your sins may be put away, when the time of refreshing shall come, from the presence of the Lord: who before hath showed by the mouth of his holy servant john, that the woman (meaning the church) should fleye into the wilderness for a time, 
Re. 12. 14.  times and half a time, from the presence and persecution of the Serpent: And that the winepress should be trodden without the City, 
Re. 14. 20.  until ●loud came out of the winepress, unto the horse bridals, by the space of a thousand and six hundred furlongs: and thus he hath fulfilled it.  
Now therefore I humbly beseeth you, suffer not your Bishops and ministers, any longer to persuade, to force your subjects or any others, to their faith and Church by persecution, neither suffer them therewith to defend their faith and Church, against their adversaries: if they have not any thing from God's word against us, let them yield and submit themselves: if they think they have any thing against us, let them betake themselves only to God's word, both in word and wryteing, for the whole Scripture is given by inspiration of God, 
2. tim. 3. 16.  to that purpose, and is profitable to teach, to reprove, to correct, and to instruct, in righteousness, that the Man of God may be absolute, being made perfect unto all good works. With which Scripture (and not with fire and sword) your majesties Bishops and ministers ought to be armed and weaponed: 
Mat. 10. 14. 15.  And whosoever shall not hear the words of such Bishops and ministers: then such Bishops and ministers are commanded by Christ (not to to imprison: 
Marc. 6. 11  burn: ban: and hang them but to shake the dust of their feet against them, for a witness when they depart from them, affirming that at the day of judgement it shallbe easier for Sodom and Gomorrha, 
act. 13. 51.  then for such persons: And this come: of Christ, did his Bishops and ministers obey as you may read. By which and by that which follow, your gracious may: and Princely, and honourable Parliament may perceive, the will and mind of our Lord and Saviour Christ unto whose mercy I commend you, and to the word and wisdom of his grace, which is able to build further, and to give you an inheritance among all them which are sanctified Amen.  
Your faithful and loving subject Leonard Busher. 
there is one Furbusher a preacher in this land.  Not Furbusher.   

Certain reasons against persecution.  
FIrst, because Christ hath not commanded any King, Bishop, or Minister to persequte the people, for difference and judgement in matter of Religion.  
Secondly, because Christ hath commanded his Bishops and ministers to persuade Prince and people to hear and believe the gospel, by his● word and spirit, and (as Ambassadors for him) to beseech both Prince and people, 
2. Cor. 5. 20  to be reconciled unto God, and not (as Tyrants) to force and constrain them by persecution.  
Thirdly, 
many thousand Ambassadors & martyr● of Christ hath Bbs● caused to be slain since Ch● ascended.  because through persecution it will come to pass that the Ambassadors of the only spiritual Lord & King jesus, may be persequted and inprisoned, burned, haged or bamnished, for delivering the message of their gracious Lord, sentearly and often, both to Prince and people: which to do, is a more heinous fact then to persequte the Ambassadors of the greatest King and Prince in the World: for instead of heretics, they shall (as they have already) burn, banish, and hang the Ambassadors of the Lord jesus Christ: who doth choose out whom he pleaseth, to bear his name before Kings & Rulers, for a Testimonial to them.  
Fourthly, 
Marc. 13. 9.  because than we cannot say, we have the liberty of the Gospel in our Land, 
Perseqution destroy Christians, but not errors  seeing where that is, there is no persecution for any difference in Religion, nor force●ing of the conscience to believe the gospel, except by the word and spirit of God only, the which do wound and kill the errors of men and not their persons.  
Fiftly, 
2. cor. 10. 4  because Christ came into the world to save sinners, and not to destroy them, 
1. Tym. 1. 13. 15.  though they be blasphemers, seeing the Lord may convert them as he did Saul (after called Paul) and though they have difference in Religion, 
Luc. 9 53. 55.  or will not hear nor believe in Christ, that they may be converted, yet ought you not to persequte them, seeing Christ rebuketh such and his Father sent him not into the world, 
Persequtors rebuked of Christ.  to condemn the world, but to save it be ye followers therefore of Christ, and not of antichrist, in gathering people to the Faith.  
Sixtly, 
1. Cor. 10. 32.  because than you shall not walk wisely towards them that are without as the Scripture teacheth but shall offend also the jews▪ and all other strangers who account it Tyranny, 
Col. 4. 5.  to have their consciences forced to religion by persecution.  
Seventhly, because if persecution be not laid down, and liberty of conscience set up, then cannot the jews, nor any strangers, nor others contrary minded be ever converted in our Land: for so long as they know a forehand, that they shallbe forced to believe against their consciences, they will never seek to inhabit there: by which means you keep them from the Apostoliq saith, if the Apostoliq faith be only taught where persecution is.  
Eightly, because if freedom of conscience be not set up, and persecution laid down, than all the King's subjects, and all strangers inhabiting the Land (that shall believe the Apostoliq faith) must depart the land to some free country, 
Persequtiō●lo make ●any stranger's.  or else abide the danger of burning, banishing, hanging and imprisoning: the first, will be a great impoverishing and weakening of our land, besides a loss of the faithfullest subjects and friends: the second will provoke the lord to wrath, by spilling the blood of his faithful servants, Ambassadors and witnesses, and also open the mouths of all strangers, to speak yet more lamentably, of the cruel and bloody persecution of our Land.  
Ninthly, because if persecution continue, than the King and State shall have (against their wills) many dissemblers in Authority and office, both in court City and country, yea no man of any degree shall know whether they are all faithful and true Christians, that are about him, and with whom he hath to do, seeing most men will conform themselves, for fear of persecution, although in their hearts, they hate and detest the religion whereto they are forced by law, the which is very dangerous and hartful, both to King and State in time of temptation, from bejond the seas, and in rebellion at home: for they that are not faithful to God, in their Religion will never be faithful to the King and State in their allegiance, specially being tried by a great reward, or by a mighty rebel: but will (to encrase their honours and reverennues) conform themselves, and foam to save their honours, Lands, goods and lives) will yield and submit, though against their wills, even as they have done in case of Religion: for through forcing men to Church by persecution, the true hearted subjects, are forced out of the Land, and out of the World, some banished, others burned, hanged, and imprisoned to death.  
Tenthly, 
●ersequtiō●●usemani religion's. 〈◊〉 the church.  because then, if there be many religions in the land (as it is well known there are) it will come to pass (through the continance of persecution) that many religions willbe continued in the Church, seeing all are forced to Church, who bring their religions with them, as well as their bodies, whereby all their devotion is against their consciences, and all the Church is a confused Babel, full of every unclean & hateful bird, even a hold of soul Spirits, 
● v. 18. 2. 4  as the Scripture speaketh: out of which the people of God are Commanded to flee, lest (as of their sins) they be also partakers of their plague. 
●●eter were to have ●any reli●ōs in the ●nd, them in ●●le Churc:  And the Bishops (the Authors of persecution) are very ignorant to think that when they have gotten people to their Church, by persecution, that then they have gotten them to their saith and religion, the which is nothing so, for most people (though contrary minded) to save life and goods will dissemble their religion, as for example the jews in Spain and Portugal, and the Papists, Reformists, and others in England, but when they come hither, or to some other free City or Country (where praised be God is liberty of the gospel) than they show, that before they dissembled to avoid the cruel persecution of our land.  
Moreover, the Bishops bewray great ignorance, when they persuade the King and Parliament, to force Prince and people to Church by persecution: for if that be the means to come to the Church of Christ, than Christ hath taught us to i'll the means of salvation, seeing he hath taugt us to flee persecution: 
Mat. 10. 23.  the which the Bishops and their Ministers persuade to be a great means to bring men to the Church: 
Christ teacheth to flee persecution ergo it cannot possible be good.  Indeed I confess, it is the only means to bring Prince and people to the false Chur: and therefore Christ teacheth us to flee that means, lest through persecution (which is a great temptation) we be constrained to go the broad way (which is the false Church) that leadeth to destruction; & many go in thereat: and no maxvaile, for there m●●may be any thing, except good Christians: for (besides Demas the worldlying, and Hymeneus the blasphemer and many other sorts of indifferent Christians, 
Mat. 7. 13  excommunicants covetous and profane persons) there are notale rebels and Traitors, 
Note. see 2. tim. 3. 3 4.  yea most cruel and desperate Traitors and Rebels, as Digby, Catesby, Percy, &c: whose buread and unheard treathery will never be forgotten, which persons, if they had not been forced to Church against their consciences, had never enterprised, such horribel and hateful treason.  
And the Bbs: should understand that it is preaching and not persequting, that getteth people to the church of Christ, for the scripture saith Faith is by hearing, 
Rom. 10. 17.  & hearing by the word of God, and not by the sword of Princes and Magistrates, as they persuade and practise: And therefore the Bbs: of our land are truly called antichrists for by their beastly and bloody persecution, as well as by their blasphemous titles, erroneous doctrines, and popish government, may they justly be termed Antichrists.  
Eleventhly, 
Mat. 24.  because Christ forethou●, that many false Christ's, and false Prophets should arise, 
2. thes. 2. ●  & deceive many, yea if it were possible the very elect: And the Apostle Paul did prophesy a departure from the faith: 
1. Tym. 4.  And Peter said, 
2. Peter. 2.  There should be false teachers now among the people: and john said, the Kings should give their power & Authority unto the beast, until the words of God be fulfilled, 
rev. 57 13 17.  therefore if persecution be not laid down, and liberty of the gospel set by, you may persequte the true Christians in steed of the false, as your predecessors have done: for they are now (like as they were then) the smallest number: and the false Christians are now (like as they were then) the greatest number: and persecution is a notable mark of the false Church and her Bbs: 
Gal. 2. 3. & 5. 11. ● 6. 12.  and Ministers: and therefore Christ would have us flee from it, who overcame the devil and his Ministers by the word of God, and by a good meek and gentle life, whose steps his Bishops and Ministers ought to follow.  
Tweluthly, because persecution of such as do preach and teach Christ is a great hindrance to the liberty of the Gospel: for thereby, are the jews, Turks, and Pagans occasioned and encouraged to persequte likewise▪ all— such as preach and Teach CHRIST in their dominions: 
Note False Bbs: teach Turks and Pagans to persequte Christians  For if Christian Kings and Magistrates will not suffer Christians to preach and preach the gospel of Christ freely and peaceably in their dominions, how should you expect it of the infidels? unto whom Bs: and Christian Kings and Magistrates ought to give a good example and not an evil, as to burn, banish, hangh and imprison peaceable and godly Christians, that are no traitors, nor thieves, nor fighters, nor manslayers, nor perswearers, nor drunkards, nor whoremasters, nor such like. And the King and Parliament may please to permit all sorts of Christians, yea jews, Turks and Pagans, so long as they are peaceable and no malefactors, as is above mentioned: which, if they be found to be under 2. or. 3. witnesses, let them be punished according to God's word: also if any be found to be willing liars, false accusers, false ale●●dgers and quoters of the Scriptures, or other men's writings (as some men willingly do) let them be punished according right and justice, it is due desert and no persecution, but let God's word have his full and free passage amongh them all, even to the end of their lives, in all bountifulness, long sufferance and patience, knowing that it is ordained of God's rich mercy, to lead the infidels and such as err unto repentance, 
Rom. 2. 4.  and amendment, out of the snare of the devil, 
〈◊〉. 2. 25.  of whom they are taken and deceived.  
Thirteenthly, because persecution for Religion is to force the conscience and to force and constrain men and women's consciences to a religion against their wills, is to Tyramnisse over the soul, as well as over the body and herein the Bishops commit a greater sin than if they force the bodies of women and maids against their wills: 
●. cor. 11. 2  yea herein they are more cruel and greater tyrants then the Turks, 
False Bbs: worse than Turks and pagans.  who though they force the bodies of strangers, to slavery and bondage yet they let the conscience go free, yea to Christians, that are so contrary to them in Religion: but these Idol Bishops will force the consciences of Christians, their own natural countrymen, even unto spiritual slavery and bondage, and herein they commit fornication both with Prince and people, 
Note false Bbs: spiritual fornication. ●. thes. 2. 4.  & have made all both small & great, to receive a mark in their right hand, or in their foreheads, so that no man may buy or sell, save he that will go to Church, and submit to the Bishop's ordinances, and name and mark of their beastly and bloody persecution, through which as God they sit in, and reign over the Consciences both of Prince and people, 
1. Cor. 6. 19 20. & 1. cor. 6. 16 17. with ●ev. 18. 4 &.  which is the spiritual seat and Temple of God bought at a dear price, even with the precious bleud of their only spiritual Lord jesus Messiah, the true Shepherd and Bishop of their fowls.  
And the Bishops in forceingmen and women's consciences, do there in play the antichrist so well as the Popes: 
●. Pet. 2. 1.  and indeed there is never a Bishop in the land, 
●. Pet. 1. 19  but is a Pope, for Pope in Latin is Papa, and Papa signifieth Father in English, all the Bishops in our Land are called reverend Fathers, therefore all the Bishops in our land▪ are called reverend Popes, so many Lord Bishops, so many reverend Fathers, so many reverend Popes: 
If Idolaters ought to be slain then ought all those that submit & yield spiritual obedience & reverence unto these Bbs) to be slain, who then should remain in land alive? Rev. 17. 13.  and these are all so many antichrists, so many Idols, and so many false God's o● England, how many are thy Gods, whom thou dost serve? For whose spiritual adoration the knee of every man and woman must bow, or else they shallbe persequted: unto whom the King ought not any longer to give his authority and pouwer, lest he fulfil the scripture which saith, that Kings should give their power and authority unto the beast.  
Fourteen, because the burning, banishing, hanging and imprisoning of men and women, by protestants, for difference of Religion, do justify the burning, banishing and imprisoning of men and women, by the papists, for difference of Religion, even as the Papists do justify the Turks and Pagans in such like cruelty and tyranny, wherein ●o● is the protestants more merciful than the Papists, or the Papists then the Turks Therefore, as the Papists (when they complain of the Turks and Pagans, for their bloody persecution) do therein condemn themsewes, because they are found to do the same, yea worse, for it is greater Tyranny for one Christian to force and kill one another, then for Turks and pagans to kill a Christian, for that is no such great wonder, seeing it is a paganish part, who have no better knowledge, but Christians should have better knowledge and more merci then to play the Pagans' against Christians: 
Note.  So also the protestants, when they complain of the papists for their bloody and beastly persecution, do therein condemn themselves, seeing they do the same, for which they blame others, and so are rebuked of the scripture, 
Rom. 2. 1. 3.  which saith. Therefore thou are inexcusable, o thou man, whosoever thou art that blamest another, for in that thou judgest another, thou condemnest thyself, for thou that judgest dost the same things: & thinkest thou this o thou man (that judgest them which do such things, and thou dost the same) that thou shalt escape the judment of God?  
Fifteenthly, because his Majesty and parliament would not willingly themselves be forcet against their consciences, by the persecution of the Bishop of Rome and his Princes, so I beseech them (according to the law, 
Luc. 6. 31.  Christ hath enjoined Christians) not by persecution to force other men's consciences, 
Or provocation.  against their wills by the irritation of the Bishops of our Land.  
Sixteenthly, because persecution do cause men and women to make shipwreck of faith and good consciences, by forcing a religion upon them, even against their minds and consciences, and also do send them quick to the devil in their errors, if that be heresy for which they are hanged and burned, 
King Edward was an enemy to persecution  which to do, is a most unchristian, unnatural, cruel and tyrannous deed, and I am sure you would not be content to be so dealt with all yourselves: but indeed the popish and Idol Bishops are the authors hereof against the people, as well as of other persecution against the princes. For Antychristian Bbs: 
Acts & mon: pag. 1484.  do draw Kings and Princes hereto, against their minds, as may appear by Edward the sixth, that Godly King of famous memory, who being urged by his bloody Bbs:, to subscribe to the burning of a woman called joan Butcher, 
The Christian answer of King Edward.  he answered. will you have me to send her quick to the devil in her error? but when his blood thirsty Bs: wouls have no nay, he said again to Bishop Cranmer, I lay all the chaledg thereof on you before God, and Cranmer said, he had never so much to do in all his life as to procure it, 
rev. 16. 14.  whereby I do perceive that godly Kings are drawn to battle against the Saints, by Antychristian Bbs: and false Prophets, who otherwise would rule and reign, more agreeable to the mind of Christ.  
Also, hereby may all men perceive that the counsel and Bbs: could not satisfy the King's conscience by their persuasion, if they could have showed him the word of God, 
〈…〉  for burning that Christian, it would have prevailed with that godly King, and he might then of faith have consented, but his answer showeth that he was not of their mind, for all that they had said, and therefore now, if it please you to require of your Bishops warrant from the word of God for the persequting of Christians, or for forcing Prince and people to church, you shall find not one Bishop, yea not all of them together, though assisted with their Ministers, willbe able to show warrant from God's word, whereby to persuade your consciences thereunto: and whatsoever is not of faith is sin, and whatsoever is not from God's word, cannot be of faith.  
Seaventeenthly, 
Rom. 14. 23.  because persecution of Christians by Christians do not only justify papists, and teach the jews and Pagans' to persequte Christians, but also do teach the papists and others (that know not the mind of Christ, and once get the upperhand) to persequte those that persequted them: 
By Digby, Cates by &c:  yea it is a means, (as we have had lamentable experience) to set (such as are forced to Church against their consciences) at deadly hatred against the King and State, and urgeth all them to treason and rebellion, 
ma●. 11. 29.  that have not truly learned Christ, who himself was persequted to death, 
Luc. 14. 27  whose harmless cross, all true Christians must take up, and whose gentle and humble steps they must follow and walk in, or else they cannot be his disciples, nor sheep of his pasture. And neither can the papists be persuaded that persecution is a sin, so long as they and other Christians are also persequted by the protestants: seeing the papists do build their persecution on the same ground with the protestants: but both sorts of Bbs: do err grossly, as shallbe showed (God willing) when they make their defence except herewith their consciences be convinced to yield, as I wish they may for the salvation of their own fowls, the peace both of Prince and people, and the safety of the King and State: In the mean while it is to be observed, that those Bbs: and Ministers which persuade the King and Parliament, to burn, banish, hang and imprison, for difference of religion are bloodsuckers and manslayers, and such (it cannot be denied) caused Kings and Magistrates, to be their excicutioners and tormentors, in burning the Martyrs in former times, even in the days of King Henry the eight. & Queen Mary, as the books of Acts & Monuments will witness, if they be not burned and I ask the Bbs: and their Mini: if the martyrs should have obeyed the King and Queen, rather than have suffered death?  
And now I must humbly and with all reverence do beseech his Maje: 
Act. 4. 19  and parliament, 
The Bbs: as the high priests, force men to obey man rather than God.  advisedly to consider among themselves, whether the Prince or Princess (differing with the Church now in matter of conscience and religion, established by law in our land (as the right noble Princess Elizabeth did, in Queen mary's days) do not incur the danger ad cruelty of the law now, as that worthy Princess did then, seeing that popish and cruel law standeth still in force, in most points of religion? and who dare trust the Bbs: and their adherents, in such a case, the matter lying in their hands. 
Note well.   
Let it be supposed that the Prince's heart should be moved by the lord to embrace the Apostoliq faith & discipline, shall he be forced to believe as the Bishops do, against his conscience? shall he be constrained to submit to their government and discipline against his conscience? shall he live in vexation and persecution, and in danger of his life, by the Bishops and law established as the Princess Elizabeth did? yea it must be thus with our right noble Prince, except there be partiality, yea it will be thus with his Princely person, except those popish and cruel laws be repealed and extinguished.  
Wherefore I meekly entreat seeing death is most certain, though most uncertain when, that those Antychristian and Popish Laws may be dissimulled and made void in time, 
Then ●ary till to morrow.  lest we all lament, and bewail it, when it willbe to late: And I pray your Majesty and honours to consider, that Kings and Princes hearts are in the hands of the Lord (as the Rivers of waters) to turn as he will. And the scripture saith. The ten horns (by which I understand ten Kings) shall hate the whore and make her desolate and naked. 
Rev. 17. 16  Likewise the Scripture saith to Abraham the Father of believing Princes, 
Gen. 17 ●6.  as well as believing people) Also I will make thee exceeding fruitful, 
Rom. 4. 17.  and will make Nations of thee, Yea Kings shall proceed of thee. Which Scripture do also overthrow the judgement of those men, that hold a Christian may not be a King nor Magistrate. Let such consider that the Lord here speaketh of Abraham's Spiritual seed, and not of his natural seed: Because if it be understood of his Natural seed, then cannot Abraham be o Father of many nations, seeing all Abraham's natural seed, are called jews, and are but one nation of the jews, so that the covenant of God could not be performed, that said: I will make nations of the, yea Kings ●●al proceed of thee. Therefore it must be understood of his spiritual seed, of which may be Kings and Princes, that are not naturally descended of him, as well as people that are not naturally descended of him/ therefore beleving Kings may safely walk in the steps of their Father Abraham, and with their swords defend their subjects against their adversaries, and redeem their brethren out of the jaws of all devouring beasts and bloody persequtors, for they bear not the sword for nought.  
And now also I desire those subjects (of what degree soever/ that would destroy their Kings and Governors for difference in Religion) to consider that therein they justify their Kings and Governors, which destroy their subjects for difference of Religion. For as it is sin for Kings and Governors to destroy their subjects, for difference of religion, at the persuasion of their Bishops. So is it sin (but in a higher degree) for subjects to destroy their King and Governors for difference of religion, at the persuasion of their Bishops and Ministers. 
Rom. 13. 4   
Therefore persecution for difference in religion is a monstrous and cruel beast, that destroyeth both Prince and people, hindereth the gospel of Christ, and scattereth his Disciples that profess and witness his name.  
But permission of conscience in difference of Religion saveth both Prince and people, for it is a meek and gentle lamb, which not only furthereth and advanceth the gospel, but also fostereth and cheris cherisheth that profess it, as may be seen by the permission of the Princess Elizabeth: and others that were permitted and fostered in Dutchland at that time. 
Permission of conscience a furtherance to the gospel and a safely both to prsnce and people  Also permission of conscience is a great and suerband, and benefit to the King and State, as may likewise be seen in the same Princess Eliza: who if she had not been permitted, but had suffered death, as the bloody Bishops earnestly desired: then had not the Kingdom been so surely not yet so purely kept and preserved for his majesty add his Royal issue, as now it is, the Lord be praised therefore.  
Further I beseech his right excellent Majesty and parliament to obser that persecution, was the occasion that the Apostoliq Church was at first scattered and driven into the wildernis, that is desert places of the world, 
Rev. 12. 6. 14 & 13. 5. 7.  whether she fled to save herself from the rage and Tyranny of Antichrist and his Apostles and Ministers, the first Authors of persecution under the Gospel. Therefore his Majesty and Parliament may please to consider, 
2. Cor. 11. 13.  that so long as persecution continue, so long will the Apostoliq Church continue scattered and persequted into the secret places of this world: and no marvel, for her faith and discipline is as offensive as odious and as unwelcome unto antichrist and his Bishops and Ministers now: as it was then, as their burning, banishin, hanging and imprisoning, do withnes even unto this day. And it is to be noted, that as the Apostoliq faith and discipline (in the Apostles days, when through them true signs and wonders were wrought by the extraordinary gift and power of the Holy Ghost) did let and hinder the mystery of iniquity, 
2. thes. 2. 6. 7.  wrought by antichrist his Apostles and Ministers, by whom the lying signs and wonders were done, through the extraordinary spirit of Satan. So now the Catholiq or Antichristian faith and discipline (having gotten the upperhand by her lying signs and wonders, 
2. Tes. 2. 9  and by persecution) do by the same, 
1. tim. 4. 1. 2. 3. 2. tim. 3. 1. 4. 5. & 2. pe. ●. 1. 3  let and hinder the mystery of Godliness, wrought by Christ, his Apostles and Ministers, by whom the true signs and wonders were done, without persecution.  
And it is well worthy to be observed, 
1. john. ●. 1  both of King, Prince, and people, 
2. john. 7  that the Bishop's Ministers of antichrist cannot abide, nor endure the faith and discipline of the Apostoliq Church, 
jud. 4. 11 16. 18.  because it will bee the overthrow of their blasphemous and spiritual Lord ships, and of their Antichristian and bloody Kingdom. 
Note well.  And therefore are they so fiery hot and zealous, 
1. john. 4. 3  for the Catholiq or Antichristian faith and discipline. for by their faith they show plainly, that they are succeeded and descended from antichrist, Who confessed not that the Messiah came in flesh: and by their discipline or government, they plainly show, they are Antichrists Bishops and Ministers, who persequte with fire and sword, all degrees both King, Prince, and people, that will not confess their faith, and obey their discipline. And it is very plain and easy both for King, Prince and people (if they will not take up religion oncredit, and content them with the religion they were borne and brought up in (as do the papists) to discern who they be that teach the Apostoliq faith and discipline, and who they be that teach antichrists faith and discipline, for the holy Apostle showeth it to all men, that will give heed thereto, for he saith: Dear beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits, whether they are of God, for many false Prophets are gone out into the world, 
The Siriah saith came in flesh.  which confess not that jesus Messiah came in flesh. Hereby shall you know the spirit of God, every spirit that confesseth, that jesus Messiah came in flesh, is of God, and every spirit that confesseth not, that jesus Messiah came in flesh, is not of God: but this is the spirit of antichrist, whom ye have heard, how that he should come, & now already is he in the world. The same is the antichrist that denieth the Father and the Son, whosoever denieth the son, 
1. john. 2. 22. 23.  the same hath not the Father. The Apost: meaneth such as deny jesus to be Messiah, the Lord that came down from Heaven, as Christ and they have taught, 
john. 17. 3. 5. 8.  such have not the Father, but do deny 'em also, as they have taught him, and therefore Christ saith: The time shall come, that whosoever killeth you, 
1. co. 15. 47  will think that he doth God good service, but these things they will do unto you, 
john. 6. 38 42. 62. & 7. 26. 27.  because they have not known the Father nor me, the Father loveth such as believe that I came out from God, thus faith Christ: But antichrist and his Ministers believe not this doctrine, neither do they thus teach Christ jesus the Messiah. 
john. 16. 2. 3. 27. 21.   
And you may please to understand that of this Antichrist (or rather (as the syriack) of this false Christ came the Church of Rome: whose bishops and Ministers teach not this doctrine, and as the Mother so the daughter also, teacheth not this doctrine: but will likewise persequte both Prince and people, that shall confess that jesus Messiah came in flesh as john teacheth: 
1. joh. 4. 2.  or that the Son of Man ascended up, where he was before, 
joh. 6. 62. & 3. 13.  or that he was glorified with his Father before the world was, as himself saith: or that he was the second man the lord from heaven, or that he had and hath a heavenly body, 
john. 17. 5.  as Paul teacheth: for these and such like doctrines do the Church of Rome and her daughters persequte with fire and sword being endued with the spirit of antichrist: 
1. Cor. 15. 47. 49.  By which antichrist his Apostles and Ministers, 
1. joh. 4. 3.  the Apostoliq Church was scattered and driven into the wilderness, 
2. cor. 11. 12. 15.  that is desert and secret places of this world, even by their bloody persecution. The which still they continue and raise against the members and witnesses thereof, 
Rev. 12. ●. 〈◊〉.  who w●ere and are the Martyrs, which in all ages have and do suffer death, imprisonment, and banishment, since the first persecution: and we never read, nor ever shall read that the Apostoliq Church or such as have derived their faith and discipline of her, did ever persequte.  
Therefore I humbly desire his Majesty and Parliament, with all godly carefulness to consider, that it is not possible that the Church of Rome (called Catholiq) or those that are descended of her, and have decived their faith and discipline frō●her, ever was, or could be the Apostoliq Church (called primitive Church) or she that is descended from her: seeing the scripture saith the Apostoliq church (called in scripture the woman) hath a place prepared of God in the wilderness, a thousand two hundred and sixty days from the presence of such as did persequte her. 
Rev. 12. 6. 13. 14.  Now then, I beseech you consider, may it be possible that the church of Rome (called in scripture a mystery, great Babylon, the Mother of whoredoms, & abominations of the Earth, the woman that sitteth upon a scarlot coloured beast, full of names of Blasphemy, the woman arrayed in purple & scarlet, & guilded with gold & precious stones & pearls, having a cup of gold in her hand, full of abominations & filtines or her fornication, the woman that is drunken with the blood of Saints, & with the blood of the martyrs or witnesses of jesus, by her beastly persecution) was or could be ever the Apostoliq Church, or are those that are descended from her, seeing the scripture saith she hath a Place in the wilderness, prepared of God, where she should be fed a thousand two hundred & sixty days, 
Rev. 12. 6. 13. 14.  from the presence of her persequtors?  
If so be, you will have the Church of Rome, and those that are descended from her, 
Note.  to be the true Apostoliq Church: than it will follow that the Church (called the woman, and did fly into the wilderness, from her persequtors) was, and is the false Antichristian Church: and also it will follow that those (which we account to be the Martyrs and witnesses of jesus) were not of the true Apostoliq church, 
2. The. 2. 3 6. 8.  but were obstinate people and heretics, even as their adversaries (in Rome, Spain, England and else where) did persequte, 
1. Tim. 4. 1 2. 3.  adjudge and execute them far.  
But if you will have the Prophecy of the Apostles to be true, a●● 〈◊〉 believe their holy writings, 
Rev. 12. 6. 11. 14. & 17. 2. 6. 17  and also will have the Martyrs (that have been burned, ban: hanged and imprisoned) to be of the true Apostoliq Chur: than it will follow and that justly according and agreeable to the scriptures, that the Church of Rome and those that did and do persequte, 
2. Tim. 3. 1 9 & 4. 3. 4  are descended from the false Antichristian Church, called a mystery, great Babylon the mother of whoredoms & abominations of the Earth, 
2. pe. 2. 1. 3  &c: which was and is drunken with the blood of Saints & martyrs of jesus: 
1. joh. 2. 18 19 & 4. ●.  seeing they have her Antichristian faith and lordly discipipline, and for the defence and maintenance thereof, 
2. john. 7.  will also burn, banish, hang and imprison/ so hot and fiery zealous that thereby they show plainly, 
Jude 4. 11 16.  that they walk so just and even in the steps and paths of the Mystical woman great Babylon, their bloody parent & mother: 
Like mother, like Daughter.  so even I say, as if they studied her lying and Hypocritical doctrine, her deep and devilish devinity, her blasphemous, princely and dangerous dignity, and her beastly, bloody and deadly discipline. Through the continuance whereof, 
1. Tim. 4. 2  not only the Apostoliq Church, is continued still in the wilderness and desert of this world, 
Rev. 2. 24.  but also the jews and others, both in great Britain, and all over the world, are kept back from the knowledge of God's holy word, the only order and ordinance Christ hath appointed, for the gathering of his Church together, out of all places of the world. And so long as persecution continue, you cannot try the spirits of the many false prophets, 
1. joh. 4. 1.  that are gone out into the world, as the holy Apostle doth loveingly advise and admonish you. But (like the Pastists) must be tied only to the spirits of your loedly Bishops and their Ministers, 
Fire and sword, n● equal weapon's to the spirit & word.  who will have alboth King, Prince and people to receive their spirits, and therefore will not have any others to preach and print with in the Land, lest their lying doctrine and Lordly discipline, be discovered and disclaimed. And in steed of disputing and writing by the word and spirit of Christ (against their adversaries) they will cruelly persequte and fight against them, by fire and sword, and Spirit of Antichrist, from whom they are descended and succeeded, 
Mystically  both lineally and of great antiquity.  
Wherefore I humbly beseech the King and parliament, that you will betimes listen unto the holy spirit in the mouth of the prophet, which faith be wyse now therefore ye Kings, 
psal. 2. 1●  be learned (or instructed) ye judges of the earth, serve the Lord in fear, & rejoice in trembling, kiss the son of God lest he be angry, and ye perish in the way of persecution, when his wrath shall suddenly burn. Let not therefore the Kings of the earth band themselves with the Bs: & ministers of Antichrist, 
Psal. 2. 2. ●  nor Princes assemble themselves together against the lord and against his anointed. 
1. joh. 2. 2●  That is against Christ and his church: seeing both he and she break your bands and cast your cords from them. 
Rev. 17. 1●  Yea her seed overcometh you, by the blood of the lamb, & by the word of their testimoni, for they love not their lives unto death. 
Rev. 12. 1.   
Beware then in time lest you offend any more of these little ones that believe in Christ, seeing Christ saith it were better to have a millstone hanged about the neck, 
Mat. 18. 6 10.  & drowned in the depth of the Sea, than so to do. He meaneth that it were better for you to lose your lives, than any way to consent to the offence of such little ones that believe in Christ. See than I pray that they be not despised, burned, banished, hanged and imprisoned. For their Angels always behold the face of Christ's Father in Heaven. And remember he saith: 
Mat. 〈◊〉. 38▪ 39  the tree is known by his fruit, but persequting of Christians, is an evil fruit. And that a good man out of the good treasure of his heart, bringeth forth good things: 
Mat. 11. 35▪ 36.  but persequting of Christians is no good thing. And that for every idle word men shall speak, they shall give accounts at the day of judgement: How much more for every wicked and cruel deed of persecution, as burning, banishing, hanging and imprisoning of those that confess with the mouth, 
Rom. 10. 9.  & believe with the heart the Lord jesus, & that God raised him from the dead: whose laws and ordinances they are careful to keep and obey! Christ saith that such shallbe saved, and yet you fear not to burn, banish, hang and imprison such. But if you believe that God will avendge his elect, 
Luc. 18. 7.  beware of persequting his servants, that call on his name, specially such as witness his truth against the abominations of antichrist. Suffer not your Bishops to destroy those men and women, that strive to serve God according to his will in his word. Be not your Bishop's executioners, in burning, banishing, hanging, and imprisoning of harmless and peaceable Christians: but let them enjoy freedom of the gospel and liberty of conscience: that so the Apostoliq Church (which is scattered and driven into the wilderness and desert of this world) may be again gathered together, both of jews and gentiles, into visible and established congregations. 
2. Txes. 2. 8.  And that the Catholiq and universal Church of antichrist may be consumed & abolished by his word & spirit, 
I pray the Lord to give such grace, the Sea of Rome may 〈◊〉 apace.  as the holy Apostle hath foretold, even the uttermost of his arrival, which is the Imperial & triple crown, through the triple sea of Rome.  
And again I humbly entreat the King and parliament, to vouchsafe to hear me with patience yet a little further: If freedom of the gospel and permission of conscience might be granted, then would not Papis● nor any others dissemble their souls, and to the great danger, both 〈◊〉 King and State, seeing they are forced to Church against their consciences: And may not Popish Priests and jesuits (unawares to the Bishops) become the Bishop's Ministers, seeing the change of their Religion, and religions habit differ so little, and so by degrees infect the people with more popish doctrine, 
Nota Fron pope's submission there is great suspi●ion.  as occasion shallbe? And such men will readily embrace the Bishop's orders, and so they shall readily have the Bishop's favours: by which means, they may more easily and speedly, ha● access unto the court, and presence of the King and Prince, which indeed is very dangerous, howsoever not regarded. Therefore I do (according to my duty) humbly advise his Majesty, not to beautify his cou●● and presence, with any popish stones, not with one, though it be of All●●blastor.  
But permission of Conscience and freedom, and liberty of the gospel will no ●ay be dangerous to the King or State, if such like rules ● these be observed.  
First, that no people tainted with Treason, do bear any office.  
That all sorts of people tainted with Treason, do (at all times from home) wear ab lack hat with two whire signs, the one before the other behind in open sight.  
That no people, tainted with treason approach within ten miles of the Court, without licence.  
That no people tainted with treason do inhabit the City of London, nor yet within ten miles thereof.  
That none tained with treason, do make any assembly or congregation.  
That no person or persons (in whatsoever difference, by reasoning or disputing) do draw any weapon, nor give any blow, stroke, or push, in pain and penalty, as his Majesty and Parliament think meet.  
That (for the more peace and quietness, and for the satisfyeing of the weak and simple, among so many persons, differing in Religion) it be lawful for every person or persons, yea jews and Papists, to write, dispute, comfer and reason, print en publish any matter touching religion, either for or against whomsoever, always provided they allege no fathers, 
2. Tim. ●. 24. 25.  for proof of any point of religion, but only the holy scriptures neither yet to reproach or 〈◊〉 one another, nor any other person or persons, 
james. 3. 1.  but with all love, gentleness, and peaceableness, inform one another to the glory of God, honour of the King and State, and to their own good and credit, 
Note  by which means, both few errors and few books will be written and printed, 
A true sign of false Bishops an Ministers.  seeing all false Ministers, and most people, have little or nothing else (besides the Fathers) to build their religion and doctrine upon: (or if it be once established by law that none shall confirm their Religion and doctrine, by the Fathers, and by prisons, burning and banishing etc: but by the holy Scriptures, than error will not be written nor disputed, except by obstinate persons, and 〈◊〉 consciences seeing the word of God will be no shelter for any error. Yea I know by experience, among the people called Brownists, that a Man shall not draw them to write, though they be desired, for one of their preachers called Mast: Rob: hath had a writing of mine in his hards, above six Months, and as yet I can get no answer it seems he knoweth not how better to hide his errors, then by silence, and this will bee the case of all false Bishops and Ministers, 
john. 3. 2.  who had rather be mute and dumb, 
john. 3. 10.  then be drawn into the light with their errors.  
Therefore permission of conscience, and liberty of the gospel in our land of great Britain, will mightily further the advancement of the Apostoliq faith. And chiefly their books, whereout sufficient matter will bee drawn, for the convinceing of every particular religion, which is against the religion, established by Christ and his Apostles, who by all means Lawful, sought the conversion and salvation, both of jews and Gentiles. 
1. Cor. 9 20▪ 22.  And they are unconstant and faithless men, or at least very ignorant, that think error will overcome and prevail against the truth. 
Act. 16. 3.   
For the Abolishing of such thoughts, I desper such men to consider the mighty victory and prevailing of the truth, in the time of Christ and his Apostles, which (notwithstanding resisted and disputed against: by the most part of the Priests and learned men, both of jews and Gentiles) yet overcame and prevailed against all the errors of the high priests and great learned Men, both of the jews and gentiles, and the Apostle saith we cannot do any thing against the truth, 
2. Cor. 13. 8.  but for the truth: and seeing it is the same truth, which all good men would embrace, why should we not hope the same victory by it! Did not King Darius and all the people both jews and gentiles cry out and say, 
2. Esd. 4. 38. 41.  that truth is great and strongest? Why then should those that have the truth, and those that would have the truth, be afraid of errore seeing truth discovereth dark and dangerous ways of error, though abroad in open books, even as light discovereth dark and dangerous places, though abroad in open high ways: And as the more dark and dangerous the ways be, the more necessary and needful will light be found of all that travail: So the more dark and dangerous the errors be, the more needful and profitable will truth be found, of all that would travil to heaven. But some may say objection let all this be granted, yet it is no wisdom we think, to bring dangerous errors into the light, that so many men may stumble at them. Which being not brought to light, would not be so much as known to some.  
I answer, 
Answer.  no more, than a Rock that lieth hid under water, which (for want of bringing into the light) many Men may make shipwreck thereon and so stumble or fall nevertheless, though it be not so much as known to them before. Therefore as a stock in the Seas (though not so much as known to some) yet (for want of being made known) many men stumble and fall thereon/ and so perish both men and goods. So an error (though not so much as known to some) yet (for wan● of being made known) many men may stumble and fall thereon/ and so perish both body's an● souls the which is more lamentable▪ and as Roks in the seas/ the more they manifest thēself● the more furtherance in the way to the Heaven. So errors in the world the more they manifest themselves, the more furtherance in the way to heaven. And you shall understand that errors being brought to the light of the word of god, will vanish as darkness before the light of a torch: even as the chaff before the wind cannot stand, so error before truth cannot abide: therefore it is no hindrance, but a great furtherance to have all erroneous Rocks in the haven to heaven, made known and published.  
And a great and sure argument it is, 
Another true sign of false Bishops & ministers.  that those Bishops and Ministers have not the truth, that publicly dare not dispute or write against error, as may be seen in the Bishops and Ministers in Queen mary's days, which could not abide to have books written and printed, of that which they called error and heresy, but caused, that if any such were written, both them and the Authors to be burned, if they could come by them. Therefore if permission of conscience and liberty of the gospel be not granted, and burning laws repealed, than the Bishops and Ministers now may persuade and cause to be burned, both the books and the Authors, that have the truth in steed of heresy and heretics, even as their prede●ssors have done already, 
The word of God the only defender of the faith of Christ.  and so shed more innocent blood, and also provoke the Lord to further wrath against the King and State. It is not the gallosse, nor the prisons, nor burning, nor banishing, that can defend 〈◊〉 Apostoliq faith: indeed the King and State may defend Relions' peace 〈◊〉 their sword and civil power, but not the faith, otherwise, then by the ●ord and spirit of God. The dutch Princes and peers say, that force, word, & gallosse, in matter of Religion: is a good means to spill blood, & make 〈◊〉 uprere in the land, but not to bring any man from one faith to another. The ●agans will not persequte one another for religion, though (as I read) 〈◊〉 be above three thousand sorts among them. And you know both ●ing Henry and Queen Mary, thought themselves defenders of the ●●ith, and thought they burned heretics and heresy, when they burned 〈◊〉 and their books, 
Idol Bbs: & false ministers authors of persecution Rev. 16. 14.  but now you see and must acknowledge, that they ●ere persequtors of the faith, instead of defenders thereof, and also that 〈◊〉 (through the instigation of their bloody Bishops) burned the word 〈◊〉 God, and those that professed and wrought it, instead of heresy and heretics. And thus it willbe now if the Bishops and their Ministers ●ay have their wills: and therein they (as their predecessors) fulfil the ●ord of God, in gathering Kings of the earth to the battle of the great day of ●od Almighty. For they persuade Kings to force their subjects, to releave the faith, and to be of the Church, whereas the Word of God tea●eth otherwise, 
Rom. 10. 14. 17.  saying, Faith cometh by hearing, and herein by the word 〈◊〉 God, and not by the King's sword. And Christ saith: Teach all nations & 〈◊〉 force all nations: and this teaching is to be understood by the word and ●●iting of the Prophets and Apostles of our Lord and Saviour Christ which is the Word of God. For they that willbe of the true faith and church, must be called thereunto, out of the World: by the Word of God, inevery nation, and not forced and constrained in every nation, as the ●●shop of Rome, and all other false Bishops and Ministers have and 〈◊〉 persuade Kings, Emperors and Magistrates.  
And his Majesty and Parliament may please to understand, that so ●doe, 
Mar. 16. ●6.  is to quench the Spirit of God, in Christ Bishops and ministers, and al●●● furstrate the precept of Christ, 
1. tes. 5. 19  which saith: Preach the Gospel to every 〈◊〉, beside, it maketh their own office and function void, they ought to preach & instruct, 
●. tim. 2. 24, 25.  with all meekness, them that are contrary minded, proveing if God at any time will give them repentance, that they may know the truth for the ministers of the Lord must not strive, but be apt to teach, gentle towards all men, suffering evil men patiently, telling Kings and Princes, that the weapons of Christ's Bishops and Ministers, are not carnal (as the weapons of all false and Antichristian Bishops and Ministers are) but Spiritual, & mighty through God, to cast down holds, casting down every high thing, that is exalted against the knowledge of God, 
2. Cor. 10. 3. 5.  & bringing into captivity, every thought, to the obedience of Christ.  
Also, if all within the land be forced to be of the church, as the Bishops and their ministers would still have it, then there would be no world in the land, 
Rev. 11. 2.  but all the land would be the Church, which is absurd, and contrary to the scriptures, 
Act. 2. 41. 47.  and great ignorance do the Bishops and their ministers show, when they think the whole nation of people, is the Church of Christ, 
Note  for there it cannot be said, out of great Britain, the Lord added to the Church from day to day, 
Act. 2. 47.  such as should be saved: seeing within the land there would be none without to be added: Also within that land, than would be no persecution, 
A true Church will not persequte.  seeing the Church of Christ doth not persequte at all, much less itself, but the Ministers and members of that Church do persequte one another, and therefore it cannot be the spiritual Kingdom and Church of Christ, but of Antichrist, seeing it is divided against itself, 
Mat. 12. 25 rev. 18. 2. 8  and persequteth one another, and will with her mother great Babylon, be consumed and condemned, seeing (as she) they burn, banish, hang, and imprison one another which is no Christian, 
1. Cor. 8. 11. 12.  but antichrist, an, monstrous, cruel, woulvish, and a tyrannous part ano practice: for Christ sent hi● Ministers as lambs among wolves, 
Luc. 10. 3.  & not as wolves among lambs.  
Again, 
Gen. 32. 28  I humbly and withal reverence do beseech his right excellent Majesty, 
Rom. 13. 4  to give me leave, to put him in mind, of those things that do● concern the glory of God, the assurance of his own salvation, the establishment of his throne, and the benefit both of the Church of Christ, and the common wealth of all his dominions. And though as josias, he find● (by reading in the book of the new Testament) a great alteration of the Apostoliq faith, & change of the laws & ordinances of Christ, within his dominions. Yet not to be dismayed, as Henry le grand, but be encouraged a● josiah, to labour and endeavour the redress thereof, according to the myn● of Christ, in his new Testament. And I doubt not, but as jaacob the Patriarch prevailed with God & Men: So shall jaacob the King prevail both wit● God & men, especially being his chief steward, by his new Testament.  
Through the zealous reading whereof willbe found, that antichrist the king of the Catholiq faith and discipline (called the mystery of iniquity) doth sit in the Temple of God, 
2. Tym. 2.  even as the scripture hath foretold. 
1. tym. 4.  〈◊〉 it is to be noted that the scripture hath also foretold, 
Rev. 17. 15  of the consummation. 〈◊〉 abolition, 
2. th● 2. 8.  of this antichrist, the man of sin, & his mystery of iniquity, with the● most of his arrival, 
Rev. 17. 16 〈◊〉.  or highest top of dignity, he is come unto▪ and this shallbe done by the spirit of the Lord in the mouth of his servants. For when 〈◊〉 words of God be fulfilled, then shall the servants of the lord prevail (by his word and spirit) with ten kings that shall hate, 
Called the Temple of God.  & make the whore desolate, which sitteth in the hearts and consciences of peoples, multitudes & nations, and this whore is the woman called the great City which reigneth over the Kings of the earth, 
2. Thesa.  meaning the chur: of Rtome, by her false faith and discipline, which is so fast setleds in the hearts and consciences of the Kings of the earth, 
Rev. 17. 1 15. 18.  that they think they do God good service, in killing and burning his servants that do speak against her faith & discipline, 
john. 16. 2  & that will not bay any of her wares, that is her Antychristian doctrines and ordinances. But as she hath had her exaltation and arrival to the height and dignity of the 〈◊〉 Empire of Rome, 
Re. 17. 13 14.  by the love of kings, who have given their power and authority unto her, and who have fought for her against the Saints & servants of jesus. So she shall have her consummation and abolition (from that height and dignity) by the hatred of kings, who again shall take their power and authority from her, and therewith defend the peace and persons of the Saints & servants of jesus: & no● for religions peace, will use their power and authority against the bloody persecution of antichrist and all his bloody Bishops and Ministers, and so become nursing fathers unto the church of Christ. And as it hath pleased God, to give his Majesty peace round about, as he did unto King Cyrus, in whose days the material Temple began to be repaired (which was a figuer of the spiritual temple) So I pray it may please him also (in the peaceable days of king james) to begin to repair the spiritual Temple) the Apostoliq church scattered and driven abroad into the wilderness of this world, 
Esay. 2. 4.  whose ca●ing and gathering together, 
Ezra. 4. 7.  must be by the preaching of the word of God, 
Ha. 2. 4. 10.  both to jews and gentiles, and not by the sword of the kings of the earth, as antichrist and his Ministers have now along time persuaded and prevailed, whereby not only the jews and infidels, but also papists and other false Christians, are hindered and deprived from the knowledge of the Apostoliq faith. And it is be noted that David might not build God's temple, because he had spilled much blood, which showeth, no blood ought to be spilled, for the building of the spiritual temple. 1. Cro. 28. 3. ergo peace in religion is a good means to make a unity of religion among so many Christian sects  
And it is well worthy consideration, 
Exod. 25. ● and 35. 5.  that as in the time of the old Testament, the Lord would not have his offerings by constraint, but of every man whose heart gave it freely: 
Act. 2. 40. 41. mat. 28  so now in time of the gospel, he will not have the people constrained, but as many as receive the word gladly, they are to be added to the Church by baptism: 
Mar. 16. 16.  and therefore Christ commanded his disciples to teach all nations, 
Mat. 10. 11 14.  & baptize them, that is to preach the word of salvation to every creature, of all sorts of nations, that are worthy and willing to receive it. And such as shall willing and gladly receive it, he hath commanded to be baptized in the water, that is dipped for dead in the water, and therefore the apostle saith, Else what shall they do, which are baptized for dead, if the dead be not raised why are they baptized for dead? 
1. Co. 1●. 29  And therefore also he saith: we are buried them with him by baptism &c: and it is to be well observed, that when Christ would have preached the word of salvation to the gaderens, 
Luc. 8. 37.  he did not compel them when they refused, but finding them unwilling to receive him and his word, he turned from them without hurting them: also when james and john saw that some of the Samaritane● refused Christ▪ 
Luc. 9 54. 55.  they would have commanded fire from heaven to consume them, as Elias did. But Christ rebuked them and said: ye know not of what spirit ye are: For the son of man is not come to destroy men's lives, but to save them. By all which, it may please his Majesty and Parliament, to take knowledge that Christ will have none consumed with fire and sword, for not hearing and not receaveing his word: And that (howsoever it hath been the mind of antichrist, to destroy men's lives for religion, and therein have not spared neither prince nor people) yet it is not the mind of Christ, that princes should destroy their subjects, nor yet that subjects should destroy their Princes for difference in religion.  
And therefore why should Bishops persuade Princes and people, and why should king, prince and people be persuaded by their Bishops and Ministers, to be contrary minded to Christ? verily it is a notorious and plain token of a false faith and discipline, that is defended by fire and sword, the power and authority of Princes: And they cannot be Christ's Bs: and preachers that persuade princes and peoples to such Antychristian tyranny and cruelty. 
Christ's Bs: will not be lords over the consciences.  And it is very evident that those Bs: and Mm: which give over men and women to the Magistrate, to be persuaded by persecution, do show clearly that their doctrine is not good, and that they want the word and spirit of God, and therefore flee to the Magist: sword for the forcing of them to their faith and discipline, and as the wine is not good which we are forced to drink, so those doctrines are not good which we are forced to believe. But it may be by this time, all those Bishops (who unfeignedly fear God and truly love the king) will haste and make speed to come unto his Majesty for pardon, acknowledging the truth of this book, confessing their ignoraace and arrogance, in the knowledge of God's word, and in compelling the people to hear the word preached, and for impri: burn: bannis: and hang: for religion: contrary to the mind of Christ, and also for stopping the mouths of men and burning their books, that preach and write contrary to their minds and wills, yea it may be they will also confess and say: Oh most gracious king, we beseech your Majesty to show us mercy and to forgive us our spiritual pride and ambition, in that we have thus long usurped the blasphemous titles of spirituallords and lords graces, 
●he Bs: do ●now in ●heir consciences ●hat this 〈◊〉 true.  the which Titles we now to the glory of God, and honour of the King do with Untained hearts confess, to be due and belong only to Christ himself: and that the name and Title of spiritual lord cannot belong to any earthly Creature, no not to the King or Emperor, because it is an heavenly name and title, how much less can it belong or be due unto us, your Maiesties unworthy subjects and scholars. And for so much as we now understand (the Lord be praised therefore) that the holy and heavenly name and divine title of spiritual lord is as much, 
●ob. 32. 22  yea as high and great, 
Phi. 2. 9 11  as the name and title of a spiritual God, and also that it is a name above every name, which God the Father hath given unto Christ only to the end, that every knee should bow unto that only and heavenly name, and that every tongue should confess that jesus is the Messiah, the Lord, unto the glory of God the Father, 
Col. 1. 18.  that in all things Christ might have the pre-eminence, for he alone is the head of the Chuach, which is his body: The which cannot be so long as we, or any other Bishops, do hold and retain that divine, high and supper excellent name and title of spiritual lord: Because than it cannot be said that God hath so highly exalted him, as to give him a name above every name, seeing our names and titles are also spiritual, and are called spiritual lords so well as the son of God, 
The Bs: in Titles equal to the Son of God.  jesus the Messiah. The remembrance hereof most gracious sovereign do make us to tremble before God and the king. And therefore we most earnstly desire your sacred Majesty, and the whole Parliament, to discharged and release us of these fearful names and titles▪ that do only belong to the Son of God, jesus the only spiritual lord, that God hath given unto his Church.  
Moreover, we do (according to the truth) acknowledge, that if we should any longer retain these divine and high names of spiritual lords and lords graces, we should therein be entitled, not only with a name equal to our lord jesus, the only begotten Son of God, 
Note God's blessings il expected, unless these Idols be rejected, who are exalted above all earthly Gods.  but also we should be entitled with a name and title above your right excellent Majesty, yea above all Emperors, Kings and Princes of the earth The which alone we do acknowledge to be a sufficient cause to put us down, and to depri●ue us of these usurped names, and blasphemous titles. Also we do confess, that our pomp and state wherein we now live, is more like the Bishops of the Catholiq Church of antichrist: then any way like unto the Bishops of the Apostoliq Church of Christ; unto whom we acknowledge, we ought to be made like, and also to be qualified with the like gifts and graces of the spirit, or else in no ●ase we can be meet Bishops for the Church of Christ, as the Apostle plainly teacheth both to Tymothy and Tytus &c: And we must further acknowledge and confess, that our houses, howsholds and revenues are more fit and meet for princes, Dukes and Earls, then for the Bishops of Christ. Wherefore (being moved and stirred up hereto by the fear of God) we earnestly beseech your Majesty and parliament, 
1. Tym. 3.  also to disburden us of this great pomp and state, and of our great and princelike houses, 
Tit. 1. 6. 9  howshols and revenues; that so we may be made equal and conformable to the Ministers of Christ, and then we shall have both hope and comfort of the world to come, although but little in this, except your Majesty and Parliament do grant free liberty of conscience, the which we now do also with the poor distressed Christians, most humbly entreat and desire: and that for these 4. reasons: First, because thereby the gospel of Christ willbe set free and at liberty, whereby all people both jews and Gentiles willbe gathered to the Apostoliq faith, Church and discipline. Secondly, because many of your Maj: subjects, both Men and women (who now are forced to dissemble their religion, for fear of our persecution) will be released and set free from their spiritual bondage and slavery, wherein we now do hold them against their consciences, and so they will become more faith full Christians to God, and more loyal subjects to your Maj: then ever they were before, to the salvation of their souls and the saefty of the Crown and State.  
Thirdly, because the poor distressed Christians (now banished and dispersed out of their Fatherland, over the face of the earth) willbe redeemed from great misery and bondage, wherein now (no doubt) they live and abide, because they will not be in bondage to any other spiritual lord or head, than the lord jesus Messiah alone, whose faith and discipline they desire only to learn and obey. Fourthy, because thereby great benefit and commodity will redound, both to your Majesty and to all your subjects, within your highness dominions by the great commerce, in trade & trafiq both of jews and all people, which now formant of liberty of conscience, are forced and driven else where: and also from the revenues & livings, which we and our glergie do possess, and from the courts and offiices we hold and keep great profit and commodity will redound, both to your highness, and to all your kingdoms, we say more profit and commodity than we or any man is able to express. And therefore, we also desire all his majesties subjects, both greath & small in all love ad fear of God, not to be offended, or any way moved or grieved, when they shall see such a reformation of us, as that famous King Henry the eight, did make of our lordly brethren the Abbots and their clergy: For indeed such a reformation ought to come among us and our glergy, 
To great 〈◊〉 the odds, 〈◊〉 use the word, against god's word.  seeing we are no way agreeable to the new Testament, of the only spiritual lord jesus Messiah, but are limbs and fellow members of that Antychristian and Romish church, which in the scriptures is Prophesied to be abolished and destroyed. Now therefore we pray you all let not King David say, the Sons of Seruiah are to strong for him, for that will be unprofitable for you al. And for conclusion, we entreat his Ma: and Parlia: to enact (that as our adversaries come against us, only with the word of God, so we go against them only with the word of God, and not as we have done by civil authority, for so ourselves may be forced to dissemble Thus it may be, the lord will persuade and work in the hearts of some of the Bishops, who will willingly resign their Antychristian titles and Popish pomp and State, with their princelike houses and lyveings into the hands of the King, without any compulsion or constraint. But if they do not, yet if it please God to open the king's heart, to see their Antichristian and Idol estate, and the danger and damage they cause both to the King Prince and People, they will be compelled thereto, even as their lordly brethren the Abbots in King Henry days were. And howsoever it be not regarded, or perhaps not discerned, yet in the sight of God and his people they are greater Idols, than their lordly brethren the Abbots: yea greater Idols than the Images of wood and stone (which that famous and Godly King Edward, 
The Bs: greater Idols than the Abbot's images or golden calf.  did pull down and destroy) for they did not imprison, nor burn, nor hang: nor yet caused to be banished any of the king's subjects, that would not worship them, as these Idol Bishops do. And out of doubt: these Bishops are greater Idols than the golden calf, Aaron made and offered unto: for the calf did not persequte nor ver, such as did not acknowledge it for their Lord as the Bishops do: neither did the Calf reign and rule by force over the consciences of the people as these Idol Bishops do.  
Besides, the Calf was set up in steed of Moses, who brought the people out of Egypt, 
Ex. 32. 1.  and showed them the will of God, but these Bbs: are set up in steed of Christ, who have brought us out of the bondage of hell, and who showeth us his Father's will in his new Testament, the which these jdol Bs: will not suffer us to obey but in steed thereof will force us to faldown worship and obey their Father antichrists will and old testament, 
what greater idolatri than to obai other spiritual lords, than the lord jesus.  which stinks in the nostrils of all reformed strangers that hear thereof, as well as in ours that have taken our flight from it. Therefore these spiritual lords and Idol Bishops ought to be pulled down and suppressed, like the Abbots their lordly brethren, though not sacrificed unto the Lord in Smithfeild as the Godly king josias sacrificed the Idol Priests of the high places on the Altars thereof. And I do verily believe, that if free liberty of conscience be granted, 
2. king. 23. 17. 20.  that the spiritual kingdom of these Idol Bs: will in time fall to the ground of itself, as the jdol Dagon fall before the Ark for through the knowledge of God's word, 
1. sam. 5. 3.  will all godly people, with draw themselves in all peceable and godly wise, from the spiritual obedience of these spiritual lords and Idol Bbs: and quietly betake themselves unto the obedience of the only spiritual lord jesus Messiah. But howsoever it be I shallbe contented therewith, and so I wish all others, for we all aught to be content, if we obtain freedom of conscience, and therefore to give god praise continually, that hath wrought so blessed a work in the hearts of the King and Parliament, for whom as the scripture teacheth we ought to make supplications, 
1. tie. 2. 1. 2.  prayers and intercessions, that they may come to the knowledge of the truth, and that we may lead a peaceable and quiet life in all godliness and honesty. And unto whom we ought to give (by the law of God) all earthly honour fear and reverence, 
Rom. 13. 1. 7.  and willingly to paytribute and custom, tax and tol, so much and so often as it shall please his Majesty and parliam: to appoint and gather, by any officer or officers whatsoever. For whom also, and for the whole common wealth of all his Kingdoms, we ought to be diligent and ready to hazard and lay down, not only our goods, but also our lives at all times and occasions. For Christ hath only set us free from all ecclesiastical laws and ordinances, which himself hath not commanded in his last will and Testament. Yea from the ecclesiastical laws and commandments of the old Testament, 
Col. 2. 14.  how much more hath he set us free from the ecclesiastical laws and ordinances of Antichrist, 
Heb. 8. 13.  but he hath not set us free from the Moral and judicial law of God, for that the king is bound to execute, and we are bound to obey: and for want of the execution thereof, 
Deut. 17▪ 18. 20.  there are in our land many whores and whorekeepers, and many children murdered besides the death and undoing of many persons about whores. Wherefore I humbly desire that the Moral and and judicial low of God may be practised and executed, of all degrees both high and low without respect of persons, according the mind of Christ. For the Lord will have that every man shall love him above all, and his neighbour as himself, and Christ saith, as ye would that men should do to you, 
Luc. 6. 3●.  so do ye to them likewise.  
Therefore as the king would not have his subjects, to take away his life because he is contrary to them in religion. So let not the king take away his subjects lives, because they are contrary to the king in religion: and as you would not men should force you to a religion against your consciences, so do not you force men to a religion against their consciences. And as it is the duty of subjects to seek the conversion of their king and State, by the word of God, and not his and their destruction by fire and sword. So it is the duty of the king and state, to seek the conversion of of their subjects by the word of God, 
Note  and not their destruction by fire and sword, as the Pope and his Prelates do teach: whose vassals therein both Emperors and Kings (as well as people) have been a long time: both to the destruction of themselves and their subjects. For who knoweth not that prelates and priests have persuaded subjects, to destroy their kings and princes, as well as kings and princes to destroy their subjects: but 〈◊〉 pray them both to take notice that the scrip: 
1. Cor. 3. 17 & 6. 19 20.  saith he that destroyeth the Temple of God, him will God destroy. Let not therefore kings, princes nor subjects be any longer persuaded to destroy one another through the subtlety of Bs: and their mi: who (most of them) only seek the security of their own pomp and glory, and the establishment of their spiritual thrones therein: for so long as they may confirm that, they pass not who perish, whether king, prince or people. Again therefore I humbly pray his Ma: and par: to repeal and make void all popish laws and canons, and to see the moral and jucial law of god, 
Frederich & john Palsgraves' said that under pretext of the holy ghosts office of correction little else was sougt them to reign over the consciences of the Magistrates & subjects like as in the accursed popedom is con to pass etc.  both firmly enacted, ad carefully practised after the mind of Chr: and then shall Christ's spiritual throne be established in the hearts & consciences both of king, prince and people, so as the Chu: Christ's spiritual kingdom shall increase in the knowledge of faith, and obedience thereof, with all love, peace and charity, one towards another. And the common wealth of his Ma: King: will flourish and prosper, and also his throne be constantly established both to him and his heirs through out all his dominions, in a sure land of peace and love, tho●e with and towards another, to the glory of God and the comfort of his Maj: and of all his subjects, and also to a famous and excellent glorious pattern of government, to all kingdoms, nations and countries round about, as in the days of Solomon king of Israel. For if the holy laws of God's word be practised and executed after Christ's will, then, shall neither king, prince nor people be destroyed for difference in religion: then Treason & Rebellion, as well as burn: ban: han: and impri: for difference in religion will cease and be laid down, then shall not men, women and youth be hanged for theft: then shall not the poor lame, sick and weak ones, be stocked and whipped, neither shall the poor, stranger, fatherless and widows, be driven to beg from place to place, neither shall the lame, sick and weak persons suffer such misery and be forsaken of their kindred, as now they be, them shall not murder, whoredom and adultery be bought out for money: then shall not the great defraud and wrong the small, neither the rich oppress the poor by usury and little wages: then shall not men bring up and inherit others children in steed of their own, neither shall an honest man be forced to live with a whore in steed of an honest wife, nor yet an honest women with a whorekeeper in steed of an honest husband 〈◊〉 shall not servant● be forced from marriage by bonds, nor yet be 〈◊〉 servitude, longer than six years, neither shall they be brought up contrary to covenant, nor posted from one quarter or one year to another for their freedom and in th'end be forced to buy it of their Masters, or else to go without it two Then shall neither Prince nor people be disinherited, for not being of the church: 
Note well.  neither shall they be held lawless persons, though excommunicated neither shall any man dare kill them as now they may, and be quit by law neither shall any man fear to have his mouth stopped for preaching the truth, then shall no man need to flee out of his native country and Fatherland, for persequtions' sake: then shall all men live in peace under his own vine, lauding and praising God honouring and obeying the King. Then also will no blood be eaten among Christians, whereby the jews should have just cause to stumble or be offended, neither should any reliqs of the ceremonial law, (as Tithes and offerings etc:) be any longer in use, where by the jews should be hardened, in their unbelief and kept from the faith of the Messiah. 
jews keep back from the faith by persecution.  Then shall the jews inhabit and dwell under his Maiesties dominion, to the great profit of his Realms, and to their furtherance in the faith: the which we are bound to seek in all love and peace, so well as others, to our uttermost endeavour, for Christ hath commanded to ●each all nations etc.: and they are the first. Lastly, then shall not so many men and Women be deceived by false Ministers, neither by their sermons, nor yet by their books, which are full freighted with false doctrines, and confirmed and countenanced not only by the King's authority and power but also by wresting and false interpreting of the scriptures, and by alleging of popish Fathers, which through the great ignorance of the people do greatly prevail: but then shallbe abolished through the word and spirit of God (his two witnesses) in the mouth of his servants, 
Rev. 11. 3 and 19 10.  who by ●ord and writing shall breed such knowledge, that none of wisdoms children shallbe deceived, Another reason, why so many good people are now deceived, is, because we that have most truth, are most persequted. and therefore most poor, whereby we are unable to write and print as ●e, would, against the adversaries of the truth. It is hard to get our dai●y food, with the labours of our weak bodies and feeble hands, how then should we have to defray other charges, and to write and print? I have through the help of God out of his word, 
2. Pet. 2. ●.  made a scourge of small coar●●s, wherewith antichrist and his Ministers might be driven out of the ●emple of God. Also a declaration of certain false translations in the new Testament: 
It is the King's honour to search out a thing.  but j want wherewith 〈◊〉 print and publish it, therefore it must rest till the lord seeth good to supply it: In mean while, I humbly entreat his Ma: and Par: to give me ●ave to prove the Bs. with one question, by which you may perceive the ●●orance of your Bs: it is this, how they will be able to prove a resurrection from these Words, 
Pro. 25.  I am the God of Abraham, 
Exod. 3. 6.  the God of prison. Kings and Magistrates are Gods ministers and not the bishops, therefore I humbly beseech you to with ●and the bloody minds of your Bs: that there be no more innocent Christians persequted to death for religion. I read that in the Netherlands above a hundred thousand persons have been put to death for religion, 
A cryeing sin.  but now praised be God, we have no such woeful tidings preached among us, the lord work as much in our land I beseech him, that so you may no longer burn and banish the servants of Christ: 
john. 16. 3  For he saith they that do these things have not known the Father nor me: Yet I confess you have the zeal of God, for you think you do God good service, in burning Christians that differ from your religion. But I also confess your zeal is not according to knowledge: for your Bs: and Min: being endued with university and high school learning, 
〈◊〉. 10. 2. 3.  devinity and doctrine, but being ignorant of the lowly learning heavenly divinity and doctrine of Christ, have and do still go about to 'stablish their own, and have not yet submitted themselves, to the lowly learning devinity and doctrine of Christ: and therefore like their predecessors, will persuade you to burn: ban: etc: such Christians as they hold to be in error about doctrines ano questions of faith and religion: right as if they had the power to rule, govern, and dispose the hearts and spirits of kings, princes, and people, even as they list, and also to make them good and righteous when they will, and to cause them to understand and believe the gospel, even by a day and ho●er appointed, which to do, belongeth to God alone: and therefore Christ saith no man can come to me except the Father draw him. 
john. 6. 44  And Christ will have his ministers to preach to such as are worthy and willing, and not as your Min: who come to them, whom they hold unworthy and find unwilling, 
Mat. 10. 11 14.  and say, will ye not come to chur: and hear, and will ye not believe our doctrine? but we will make you, or else we will burn you for heretycks. Thus will they taunt meek and holy Christians who are torn like sheep among the wolves. But Christ's ministers will with meekness, instruct such as are contrary minded, tolerating the evil men patiently, proveing if God at any time will give them repentance, 
2. ●y. 2. 25.  that they may know the truth: where by they show plainly, 
joh. 13. 35  that they are Christ's disciples, and have that true faith, which worketh by love, even as the Apostle saith, the which I pray you to consider, that so you may both know and obey the will of Christ. Now (saith he) abideth faith, 
1. Cor. 13  hope and love, but the chiefest of these, is love, for where love is there is no disdain, it seeketh not her own things, it is not provoked to anger, it suffereth all things, it hopeth all things, it endureth all things. Yea the love of Christ so loveth, that it will not ver nor persequte any that call on his name. 
Heb. 13. 3.  Therefore I humbly pray you to remember them that are in bonds, as though ye were bound with them, and them that are in affliction, as if ye were also afflicted in the body. 
jam. 2. 13.  And to show them mercy, for mercy rejoiceth against judgement, but judgement merciless, shall be to them that show no mercy. If ye be friendly to your brethren only what singular thing do you, do not the sinners the same? 
〈◊〉. 6. 32. ●7.  be not like unto them, but unto your heavenly father, whose wisdom, love and mercy, I beseech him to grant you, that so you may come to the knowledge of the truth and be saved: And that we (your Majestis faithful subjects) may lead a peaceable and quiet life (even in our own nation) in all Godliness and honesty. 
1. Tym. 2  Amen.  
Now, 
Pet. 4. 12  them that are persequted, I exhort with the words of the Apostle Peter. dearly beloved think it not strange concerning the fiery trial that is among you to prove you, as though some strange thing were come unto you: but rejoice in as much as ye are partakers of Christ's sufferings that when his glory shall appear ye may ●e glad and rejoice. If ye be railed upon for the name of Christ, blessed are ye for the spirit of glory and of God resteth upon you, 
2. Pet. 2. 2.  which on their part is evil spoken of, but on your part is glorified. but let no man suffer as an evil doer, or as a murderer or as a busy body in others matters: but i● one suffer as a Christian, let him not be a shamed, 
Act. 24. 14.  but let him glorify God in that behalf. For all the Mar●rs of the Apostoliq Church have suffered as evil doers, and as heretics. For the time is that judgement must begin at the house of God: If it first begin at us (saith the apostle) what shall the end be of them, that obey not the gospel of God. And if the righteous scarcely be saved, where shall the ungodly and sinner appear? wherefore let them that suffer according to the 〈◊〉 of God, commit their souls unto him in weldoeing, as unto a faithful Creator.  Read Esay. 2. 2. 4. 11. 16. He shall judge among the nations, 
antichrist and his persecution shallbe made low.  and rebuke many people, they shall break their sword into mattocks and their spears into scythes: nation shall not lift up a sword against nation, neither shall they learn to fight any more. The high looks of man shall be humbled, and the loftiness of man shallbe abased, & the lord only shallbe exalted in that day: for the day of the lord of hosts is upon all the proud and haughty and upon all that is exalted, 
2. thes. 2. 4  and it shallbe made low. 
Little David overcame great Goliath, yet not brought up in war. Unlearned Peter confuted the learned priests, 
Gal. 6. 6  yet by caling a fisher man. Attend, and help, 
1. Cor. 9 7.  and you shall see the wonderful works of God. For the foolishness of God, is wiser than men, & the weakness of God is stronger than men. And God hath chosen the foolish things of the world, to confound the wise, & things tha● are despised, hath God chosen, to bring to nought things that are. 1. Cor. 1. 25. 28.  
FINIS.  
Leonard Busher.